u/Klabastern

I recently bought a Corolla Cross, and I knew going into it that I would need to pay a subscription if I wanted to use the app. That makes sense to me, because the app relies on cell service and WiFi. The only feature the app offers that I’m interested in, though, is remote start. No worries, that’s free to use with my key fob!…..

I have to say that I was shocked to find that Toyota is being sleazy and charging people for the right to use the remote starts that they own. Again, I understand the app costing money because it relies on cell and WiFi, but my key fob uses a radio signal. The key and car talk directly to one another without any outside services being needed. How then is it LEGAL for Toyota to later brick the remote start on my key? Did I unknowingly sign away some rights in the finance office? I’ve been using this technology for free in every vehicle I’ve owned for the last 25 years. How/why do I suddenly no longer have the right to?

https://www.kbb.com/car-news/toyotas-key-fob-remote-start-will-now-require-a-subscription-fee/

Edit: added the link

I’m confused about what type of transmission the Corolla Cross Hybrid actually has. Everyone online talks about how it’s an eCVT, and online reviews and Google say the same, but when you build one on the Toyota website it shows that the ICE in the Hybrid powers a more traditional belt/chain driven CVTi-S with a physical 1st gear, as opposed to the eCVT that is listed when you build a RAV4 or Prius. Can anyone shed some light on what I’m missing? I’ve attached photos from a Corolla Cross Hybrid build as well as a RAV4 build.

Thanks!

I’m confused about what type of transmission the Corolla Cross Hybrid actually has. Everyone online talks about how it’s an eCVT, and Google says the same, but when you build one on the Toyota website it shows that the ICE powers a more traditional belt/chain driven CVTi-S with a physical 1st gear, as opposed to the eCVT that is listed when you build a RAV4. Can anyone shed some light on what I’m missing?

I only got to test drive a base model gas version, but my hybrid came in last night. I knew the hybrid would have more power, but I’m surprised by how much more! I think this should be a great fit!

I ordered my 22 XLT Hybrid as soon as the dealership told me they were accepting orders. I was told it would be about 6 months till it arrived, but due to the pandemic it took about a year and a half.

I loved the truck at first, but problems started to arise shortly after getting it. The dealership damaged one of the rear passenger windows and had to replace it, and in the process the tech caused the harness for the door lock to fail. I was out at the store one day when I realized my door wasn’t locking with the fob or buttons in the car. The unfortunate thing is that, unlike an older car I had which developed the same problem, you can’t manually override the lock. I had expensive items in the cab and it was not possible to lock it. I can’t fault the truck for that though (apart from it being designed in a way that you can’t manually override the lock).

The brakes have always had a habit of biting down hard once you slowed to about 4 mph, and I had to learn to lift off the brakes right before getting to that speed to avoid a jolting stop. No other hybrid I’ve driven has done this, and the update Ford did to fix it didn’t do anything, so I just had to adapt my driving style. I think the issue was resolved on newer models. I don’t have this issue with my new hybrid crossover, and others on here have complained about the braking on earlier Maverick models, so I don’t think it was me.

The truck was always entering deep sleep mode due to a lousy battery, despite daily stop and go commuting for at least 40 minutes a day. Ford replaced it and I didn’t have issues, but I never went through a winter with the new battery, and that’s when I would have the most problems, so I can’t be certain if “deep sleep” was resolved or not. I had to put the battery on a tender once a month to avoid issues before it was replaced, but I never had to use it after so I would assume it was.

I got an email about a recall one morning saying that the instrument panel may randomly shut off. Oddly enough, the very next time I started the truck the instrument panel was dead and I had no speedometer or any other gauges until a tech came to fix it in the parking lot where I worked.

The CV axles failed at 22,000 miles and were replaced under warranty, but shortly after the repair I started having problems with the shift knob not wanting to turn, so I threw in the towel.

I bought the truck for $27,800 (pre-pandemic price) and CarMax gave me $23,400 with 23,000 miles, which is a pretty good resale IMO. I don’t think I would have been happy about resale if I had to pay a dealers “Market Adjustment” like many others.

I love what the Maverick is, but due to the reliability issues with mine I didn’t want to own it anymore. I’m not sure about the newer ones, but I would recommend that people at least stay away from first model years.

Edit: I want to be clear that this is not simply a rant. I’m just sharing my experience, although I was frustrated with the vehicle and I was glad to get rid of it. I was happy with the price I got for it, especially since I bought it before prices shot up. The post was edited to take a little of my bias out.